Manchester City threw away the lead twice as they lost 3-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off round.
Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead just before the midway point of the first half as Erling Haaland finished well from close range after Josko Gvardiol had chested down Jack Grealish’s sumptuous ball into the box.
Kylian Mbappe equalised after the hour mark after the hosts had failed to deal with a set-piece from the visitors.
City had the opportunity to take the lead for the second time of the evening when Dani Ceballos fouled Phil Foden in the penalty area. And Haaland made no mistake with the spot kick as the Citizens secured the win. But Brahim Díaz grabbed a second goal for Real, before Jude Bellingham struck a winner in stoppage time at the end of the match.
Express Sport is on hand to bring you the player ratings from an enthralling encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
Ederson: 5
Brought down Vinicius Junior in the penalty area 10 minutes into the game as the referee pointed to the spot. But City escaped as the forward was offside when the ball was played through to him. Made a string of fine saves but was beaten too easily for the goals and found himself in no man’s land for the winning goal of the evening as he raced out of his goal.
Manuel Akanji: 7
Defended gallantly alongside his defensive team-mates but didn’t return for the second half after sustaining an injury during the latter stages of the first half. Was replaced by Rico Lewis.
Ruben Dias: 7
Was left in Vinicius Junior’s wake soon after Real were denied a penalty as the visitors almost opened the scoring through Kylian Mbappe. But stood up well to Real’s blockbuster stars and was key to City’s defensive efforts.
Nathan Ake: 5
Made a crucial block during a frenetic period early on as Madrid had a string of opportunities to go ahead. But was dispossessed by Rodrygo in the closing stages of the first half following a poor touch as Real had the opportunity to draw level. And left Mbappe on his own in the box for the equaliser.
Josko Gvardiol: 7
Often takes up attacking positions and illustrated his prowess in the final third as he teed up Haaland for the first goal of the night. Made a great tackle on Mbappe in the second half and impressed with his physicality.
John Stones: 6
Protected his side as he lined up in front of the back four but then dropped back into defence after Nathan Ake was replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Savinho: 5
Was quiet throughout the evening as he struggled to get into the match.
Bernardo Silva: 5
Hasn’t got the legs to make the difference at the top level of the game anymore and will not be able to transform the Citizens team into Champions league winners for a second time.
Jack Grealish: 7
Won his side an early corner as he looked to get on the ball and cause Real issues. Then dinked a delightful ball into the box to Josko Gvardiol, who chested the ball to Haaland for the opener. Was forced off with an injury just before the half-hour mark.
There certainly appeared to be plenty of urgency with Kevin De Bruyne in the side and he got his team moving in the right direction. Was heavily involved in City’s attacking play in the opening period and delivered sumptuous balls into the danger zone.
Kept his composure when presented with his first big opportunity of the match as he notched his first ever goal against Real Madrid. Hit the crossbar with a thumping effort at the start of the second half.
Substitutes
Phil Foden: 6
Came on for the injured Grealish 30 minutes into the match after being left out of the starting line-up. Cut in from the right and fired an effort on goal shortly after being introduced to the action.
Rico Lewis: 6
Was brought on for Manuel Akanji. Allowed Vinicius Junior to get the better of him and whip a cross into the box in the early stages of second period. Halted the same player the next time they were one vs one.
Mateo Kovacic: 6
Slotted in well when he came on as he shored up the City midfield.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6
Brought on late on to add some fresh legs and a bit of experience but couldn’t prevent Real’s equaliser.
Omar Marmoush: 6
Real notched their econd goal of the night moments after Omar Marmoush was introduced to the action.
